ECO BAJA

The Baja Peninsula is host to one of the last remaining natural open spaces on the planet. As we proceed into the new millennium, it is amazing that he vast majority of Baja remains untouched and unspoiled. However, development poses a very real threat to Baja's open land and pristine waters. Virgin Baja is subject to abuse from many sides, including over-fishing, over-hunting, and over-development both on land and along it's 2,000 mile coastline.

Fortunately, we as a global society are becoming increasingly aware of how fragile our earthly environment is, at a time when we can still make a significant impact on an area as large as Baja.

The goal of preserving Baja's natural elements will not come easy. As a third world country, Mexico's Baja will always have the conflicting ideals of culture and employment versus conservation. It is easy for an outsider to fight for causes such as saving the turtle or the prevention of over-fishing. It is a different perspective, however, if you and your family have had a history of living off of the sea, and your very livelihood is at risk. The learning curve takes time, on both sides, and it is difficult to keep everyone happy as solutions are negotiated and implemented.

In the long run, there is good reason to believe that much of Baja's natural wonder can be saved. But it will take time and cooperation on all sides.

This section of Baja Expo was designed as a forum for environmental causes, to help with the planned growth of Baja. The organizations here each have a specific concern, and reviewing their information is the first step towards moving forward on each issue.

Telephone (760) 632-7770.Fax (760) 632-5408.E-mail: sandymirisch@att.net.2824 La Costa Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92009.An excellent non-profit organization focusing on the environment and the preservation of the sea turtle along the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico.Environmental education for children, students, volunteers and tourists.Check out their web site for additional information!

FRIENDLY WHALES WEB SITE

A good web site about the friendly whales of Laguna San Ignacio!

FRIENDS OF MULEGE ECOLOGY

E-mail: ecomujeres@aol.com.APDO 60, Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23900.Concerned residents and visitors dedicated to preserving the environment in and around Mulege, including the Mulege River.

Baja Life has put together a good piece on the new Marine Park in Loreto, established in 1996 by Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. It's a big step in the right direction for Baja! For more information, check out LORETO MARINE PARK INFO.

Telephone * (800) 326-7491 * (415) 441-1106.Fort Mason Center, Building E, San Francisco, California, 94123.Helping people enjoy and explore the whales and wildlife while contributing to their preservation.

An organization of private citizens dedicated to a healthy Sea of Cortez. They monitor destructive activities throughout the region and communicate the data they gather to the people of Mexico, the United States, and the world.

Fax (760) 751-8866.E-mail: totuava@bajadestinations.com.Post Office Box 2296, Valley Center, California, 92082.As recently as the early 1960's the enormous totuava grew to the size of blue marlin in the northern Sea of Cortez. After years of gill netting and dynamiting, the Totuava were almost extinct. News laws helped to save this magnificent fish. However illegal gill netters are now destroying the comeback of this fish. Money donated to this cause will be used to STOP these illegal gill netters.

Telephone 011-52 (621) 0-7094.Fax 011-52 (621) 4-6508.Dedicated to the preservation of the upper Sea of Cortez and the lower Colorado River Basin.

VIGILANTES MIRINOS

Post Office Box 13, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23400.A Cabo-based dive group with the goal of preserving Cabo's marine environment.Focusing on illegal fishing, dumping and other practices harmful to the health of the Sea of Cortez and Cabo Bay.Members are Mexican English and American, and occasionally get together for beach and bottom cleaning.